Identify the underlined part of speech. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. The politicians broken promises were all that the people remembered.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive
2. Lemuel decided that missing the classes every day was affecting his grade.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive
3. Sally refused to accept the fact that her birthday cake was gone.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive
4. Brian hopes that giving the players a break will improve their attitudes.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive
5. The completed meal was so beautiful that the guests hesitated to eat it.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive

Verbals vs. Verbs

Verbals are verb-like forms (they look like verbs) that function as a noun, an
adjective, or an adverb. The three kinds of verbals are gerunds, infinitives, and
participles.
Verbals are oftentimes mistaken as verbs because like the verbs, the time
sequence is also observed in sentences that contain verbals. When accompanied by
other related words, they are called verb phrases.
Like verbs, infinitives and participles are capable of conveying the idea of action
in time; therefore, it is important that you observe the appropriate tense sequence when
using these modals.
Verbals
Unlike the adjectives and nouns, verbals can take their own objects even though
they do not function as verbs.
Gerund
Example:
Writing a journal is my favorite hobby.
Writing (gerund) needs the object journal to complete its meaning although the word
writing here functions as a noun (not as a verb).
Participle
Examples:

He is a thinking man.
The falling leaves signal a change in the season.
Intramuros is known as the ruined wall.
A mispronounced word needs to be corrected.

The words in italics are all participles that function as adjectives. The word man,
leaves, wall, and word are all objects of the participle that complete their meaning.

Infinitive

An infinitive is formed by combining the preposition to and the base form of the
verb. It functions as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. In sentences, the infinitive may
be seen as subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb. Just
remember that a phrase consisting of the preposition to followed by a noun or pronoun
or any modifier is not and infinitive.
Examples:

To see the world is her ultimate dream.

She wants to go home early.
Everyone is expected to eat healthy.

Activity.
A. Each sentence contains a verbal. Identify it by writing A present participle, B
past participle, C gerund, or D infinitive. Indicate your answer on the space
provided.
____1. When the pilot tried to land, he had to circle the field twice.
____2. The students waiting for the school bus stood quietly.
____3. Getting an award in recognition of her achievement was a surprise for
Patricia.
____4. She wanted to attend the opening ceremonies, but she had to work late.
____5. She enjoyed playing volleyball more than any other sport.
____6. Reading a variety of books will increase your general knowledge.
____7. To improve any skill, practice is required.
____8. The formal dress described in the catalog on page eight was a popular
item.
____9. The fourth question asked on the examination was missed most often by
students.
____10. She watched the phone for hours, waiting for it to ring.
____11. His plan was to paint the entire apartment, one unit at a time.
____12. Being optimistic may improve your chances for success.
____13. Fire alarms act to save many lives each year.
____14. Listening carefully to instructions will help you complete the homework.
____15. The car parked at the parking area had received four parking tickets.

B. Identify the underlined word/s whether participle, gerund, prepositional phrase, or

infinitive. Write your answer on the blank before the number.
________1. Sleeping late can weaken the immune system.
________2. Rolan handed out his completed project to the teacher.
________3. Does Joy want to transfer to another room?
________4. My running shoes are newly bought.

________5. Stretching is a good warm up to start your day.

________6. I prefer fresh to frozen fish for dinner.
________7. The ringing clock woke me up this morning.
________8. Dried meat can last for weeks.
________9. Going on a vacation always excites Jonathan.
________10. Every Sunday, my family goes to the beach.
________11. My friends are ready to take the exam on Friday.
________12. Jane sent the gift to her cousin.
________13. Please sign me up to join the marathon tournament.
________14. Dyeing my hair gives me a modern look.
________15. We wish to hear the speakers message.